Thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped during the deadly attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained freedom, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced on Sunday.

The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed the development in a statement, crediting the coordinated efforts of federal security agencies and the direct intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons abducted in the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku,” the statement said.

AbdulRazaq praised President Tinubu for leading the rescue operation from the front, saying the breakthrough was “wholly due to the President’s hands-on approach.” The abductees were freed on November 23.

The statement recalled how the President shelved his scheduled G20 trip to South Africa to personally oversee heightened security operations in Kwara and Kebbi states following the attacks.

It added that Tinubu also ordered increased deployments to Kwara, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding citizens nationwide.

The governor extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four tactical teams to the state on the President’s directive. He also thanked other stakeholders who contributed to the rescue.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed that the DSS contacted the community around 4 p.m. to inform them that the captives had been rescued. Residents are now anxiously awaiting their return.

“Yes, they told us the abductees have been freed,” Agbabiaka said. “We are waiting for them to be brought back. Our people are eager to see them alive and safe.”

The abduction, which sparked national outrage, occurred when armed bandits stormed a church service on Tuesday, killed three worshippers and whisked away 38 others. It is one of the largest mass kidnappings in Kwara’s recent history, deepening concerns over rising banditry along the state’s borders with Kogi and Niger.

Their release follows a massive search-and-rescue operation involving soldiers, DSS operatives, Special Tactical Squad units, SWAT personnel, anti-kidnapping teams and local vigilantes.